Differentiation Between Argentine and Austrian Red and White Wines Based on Isotopic and Multi-Elemental Composition

Abstract

In this work, the characterization of white and red wines from Austria and Argentina was carried out based on the isotopic and multi-elemental profile data. They were determined using vanguard techniques such as isotope ratio mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In particular, Al, As, B, Ca, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, V, Zn, δ18O, and δ13C were determined. The results show that the samples of wines from Argentina generally present higher concentrations of the elements analyzed compared to Austrian wines. δ18O values from wine water were characteristic of each country, while δ13C values from ethanol did not present any geographical distinction. Linear discriminant analysis using isotopes and elements allowed us to classify 100% of the wines according to the origin and additionally, 98.4% when separately investigating red and white wines. The elements Sr, Li, V, Pb, B, Mn, Co, Rb, As, Na, Mg, Zn, and δ18O were identified as sensitive indicators capable of differentiate wines according to their production origin. Furthermore, Sr, Li, Na, δ13C, δ18O, Ca, B, Fe, Mn, V, Mg, Co, and Zn contributed to the differentiation of wines according to origin and color. To our knowledge, it is the first work that involves the measurement of a wide range of elements and stable isotopes in white and red wines in Argentina, as well as in Austria. This research highlights the power of the application of stable isotopes and multi-element data in multivariate statistical analysis, in order to obtain an accurate differentiation of wines origin.